Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Why Are Lifestyle Factors Making Millennials Vulnerable To Cancer?

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">Cancer</a></span> has been seen as a disease of aging, but now it is frightening statistics that reveal the rise of early-onset cancers among millennials. Estimates indicate that about 1.9 million people are newly diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. every year. This number will increase to 2.3 million by 2030. More and more studies are indicating that lifestyle disorders, such as an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and disrupted sleep patterns, may be a cause for which younger populations are increasingly becoming vulnerable to malignancies, including rare and aggressive types of cancer.

<h2>Has COVID-19 Worsened the Cancer Epidemic?</h2>

It has not been new news that viruses can provoke or accelerate cancer development, but research is still ongoing to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on cancer risk. What has already been determined, however, is that the pandemic indirectly worsened the outcomes of cancer. Delayed screenings, postponed treatments, and risks of increased mortality have all been noted globally.

The Lancet Public Health published research that underlines these consequences, indicating that the pandemic slowed or even reversed the declining cancer mortality rates observed before SARS-CoV-2 emerged. Delays in surgeries and chemotherapy treatments significantly impacted survival rates. For example, every four-week delay in colon cancer surgery increases the risk of death by 6%, while similar delays in adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer elevate mortality risk by 13%.

<h2>How Lifestyle Choices Are Driving Early-Onset Cancers</h2>

Dr. Priya Tiwari, Head of Medical Oncology, says that lifestyle choices play a critical role in the increasing incidence of cancer among young adults.

Poor diet rich in processed foods, high sugar, and red meat. Obesity and metabolic disorders are so closely linked with various cancers says Dr. Tiwari, "A sedentary lifestyle further compounds this risk, creating insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, and chronic inflammation, factors that are more strongly associated with colorectal and breast cancers,"

Susceptibility is further aggravated by tobacco usage, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to carcinogens. Stress and sleep deprivation also disrupt the balance of hormones and compromise immune function, leading to an environment conducive to tumorigenesis.

The association between stress, inflammation, and cancer.

Millennials face unprecedented levels of stress, driven by work pressures, financial instability, and excessive screen time. Chronic stress triggers the sustained release of cortisol and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which fuel systemic inflammation.

"Prolonged inflammation weakens immune surveillance, making the body less capable of detecting and eliminating cancerous cells before they grow uncontrollably," explains Dr. Tiwari.

The circadian rhythms have been disrupted due to late-night working hours and increased exposure to blue light. Decreased melatonin production, which is a natural cancer-fighting hormone, is associated with a higher incidence of hormone-related cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.

<h2>Are Rare and Aggressive Cancers on the Rise Post-Pandemic?</h2>

There is a rise in rare and aggressive cancers, which have been reported by medical experts post-pandemic, and possible reasons for this increase may include delayed screenings and lingering inflammatory effects from COVID-19. Many patients avoided routine health check-ups at the height of the pandemic, and this has led to late-stage diagnoses of malignancies like sarcomas, glioblastomas, and neuroendocrine tumors.

In addition, there is a theory that SARS-CoV-2 might have a part in tumor progression due to cytokine storms induced by interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. This state of chronic inflammation might accelerate the growth of the tumor in predisposed individuals.

<h2>Should Millennials Start <span rel="noindex">Cancer Screening</span> Early?</h2>

Earlier, cancer screenings were typically recommended to the older people. However, with the increase of early-onset cancers among the young, screening guidelines have been revised for younger groups of populations. According to Dr. Tiwari, while universal screening is perhaps not required, screening should start earlier in cases of genetic predisposition or family cancer history.

1. Mammograms for women below 40 years of age who have a family history of breast cancers.

2. Colonoscopy for patients with a history of colorectal cancer in their family.

3. Pap smears and HPV tests for cervical cancer starting at age 21.

4. Skin exams for melanoma for those with increased sun exposure or family history.

<h2>How To Balance Lifestyle Choices And Reduce The Risk Of Developing Cancer?</h2>

Dr Priya emphasises, "A healthy lifestyle that includes nutrition, exercise, and stress management can prevent cancer in young adults. An antioxidant diet rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids decreases inflammation and protects against carcinogenesis. Exercise improves the regulation of insulin levels and inflammatory cytokines, thereby lowering risks of obesity-related cancers. Limiting tobacco and alcohol consumption as well as exposure to environmental toxins such as PAHs and endocrine disruptors can also reduce the risk of cancer further. Improved sleep hygiene, mindfulness for stress management, and other circadian rhythm-enhancing behaviors can also decrease the immunosuppressive effects of cortisol and therefore improve overall health."

Cancer prevention in young adults is only possible through preventive lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress control, and minimal exposure to known carcinogens will greatly reduce the risk of cancer. Here is a concise list of changes you should make now:

<ul><li>Eat a Healthy Diet</li><li>Increase antioxidant intake through foods such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens.</li><li>Choose whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates.</li><li>Use sources such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts to increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.</li><li>Stay Physically Active</li><li>Perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.</li><li>Limit sedentary time for extended periods by incorporating moving activities during the day.</li><li>Manage Stress in a Healthy Way</li><li>Use mindfulness, which may include meditation and deep breathing, to manage the changes.</li><li>Work-life boundaries can help alleviate chronic stress and prevent burnout.</li><li>Improve Sleep Hygiene</li><li>Reduce exposure to screens before bedtime to preserve melatonin.</li><li>Develop sleep habits that allow for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.</li><li>Limit Exposure to Hazardous Substances</li><li>Cut back on alcohol consumption and quit smoking.</li><li>Limit exposure to environmental toxins like PAHs and endocrine disruptors.</li></ul>

Increasing incidence of cancer in the millennial age group demands the need for urgent awareness and lifestyle changes. There is certainly a genetic contribution to cancer; however, lifestyle determinants, including diet, exercise, and management of stress, can all affect the course of cancer.

"Preventive care, including routine screenings and healthier lifestyle choices, holds the key to reducing the risk of cancer for young adults," said Dr. Tiwari. "Making conscious adjustments today will help millennials safeguard their health for tomorrow."

Since cancer trends continue to evolve, embracing proactive health measures, and then keeping prevention at par with treatment, will be imperative in reducing future burden caused by this disease.

<em>Dr. Priya Tiwari is Head  of Medical Oncology at Artemis Hospitals in India.</em>

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Cancer has been seen as a disease of aging, but now it is frightening statistics that reveal the rise of early-onset cancers among millennials. Estimates indicate that about 1.9 million people are newly diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. every year. This number will increase to 2.3 million by 2030. More and more studies are indicating that lifestyle disorders, such as an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and disrupted sleep patterns, may be a cause for which younger populations are increasingly becoming vulnerable to malignancies, including rare and aggressive types of cancer.Has COVID-19 Worsened the Cancer Epidemic?It has not been new news that viruses can provoke or accelerate cancer development, but research is still ongoing to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on cancer risk. What has already been determined, however, is that the pandemic indirectly worsened the outcomes of cancer. Delayed screenings, postponed treatments, and risks of increased mortality have all been noted globally.The Lancet Public Health published research that underlines these consequences, indicating that the pandemic slowed or even reversed the declining cancer mortality rates observed before SARS-CoV-2 emerged. Delays in surgeries and chemotherapy treatments significantly impacted survival rates. For example, every four-week delay in colon cancer surgery increases the risk of death by 6%, while similar delays in adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer elevate mortality risk by 13%.How Lifestyle Choices Are Driving Early-Onset CancersDr. Priya Tiwari, Head of Medical Oncology, says that lifestyle choices play a critical role in the increasing incidence of cancer among young adults.Poor diet rich in processed foods, high sugar, and red meat. Obesity and metabolic disorders are so closely linked with various cancers says Dr. Tiwari, "A sedentary lifestyle further compounds this risk, creating insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, and chronic inflammation, factors that are more strongly associated with colorectal and breast cancers,"Susceptibility is further aggravated by tobacco usage, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to carcinogens. Stress and sleep deprivation also disrupt the balance of hormones and compromise immune function, leading to an environment conducive to tumorigenesis.The association between stress, inflammation, and cancer.Millennials face unprecedented levels of stress, driven by work pressures, financial instability, and excessive screen time. Chronic stress triggers the sustained release of cortisol and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which fuel systemic inflammation."Prolonged inflammation weakens immune surveillance, making the body less capable of detecting and eliminating cancerous cells before they grow uncontrollably," explains Dr. Tiwari.The circadian rhythms have been disrupted due to late-night working hours and increased exposure to blue light. Decreased melatonin production, which is a natural cancer-fighting hormone, is associated with a higher incidence of hormone-related cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.Are Rare and Aggressive Cancers on the Rise Post-Pandemic?There is a rise in rare and aggressive cancers, which have been reported by medical experts post-pandemic, and possible reasons for this increase may include delayed screenings and lingering inflammatory effects from COVID-19. Many patients avoided routine health check-ups at the height of the pandemic, and this has led to late-stage diagnoses of malignancies like sarcomas, glioblastomas, and neuroendocrine tumors.In addition, there is a theory that SARS-CoV-2 might have a part in tumor progression due to cytokine storms induced by interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. This state of chronic inflammation might accelerate the growth of the tumor in predisposed individuals.Should Millennials Start Cancer Screening Early?Earlier, cancer screenings were typically recommended to the older people. However, with the increase of early-onset cancers among the young, screening guidelines have been revised for younger groups of populations. According to Dr. Tiwari, while universal screening is perhaps not required, screening should start earlier in cases of genetic predisposition or family cancer history.Screening Requisiste includes:1. Mammograms for women below 40 years of age who have a family history of breast cancers.2. Colonoscopy for patients with a history of colorectal cancer in their family.3. Pap smears and HPV tests for cervical cancer starting at age 21.4. Skin exams for melanoma for those with increased sun exposure or family history.How To Balance Lifestyle Choices And Reduce The Risk Of Developing Cancer?Dr Priya emphasises, "A healthy lifestyle that includes nutrition, exercise, and stress management can prevent cancer in young adults. An antioxidant diet rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids decreases inflammation and protects against carcinogenesis. Exercise improves the regulation of insulin levels and inflammatory cytokines, thereby lowering risks of obesity-related cancers. Limiting tobacco and alcohol consumption as well as exposure to environmental toxins such as PAHs and endocrine disruptors can also reduce the risk of cancer further. Improved sleep hygiene, mindfulness for stress management, and other circadian rhythm-enhancing behaviors can also decrease the immunosuppressive effects of cortisol and therefore improve overall health."Cancer prevention in young adults is only possible through preventive lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress control, and minimal exposure to known carcinogens will greatly reduce the risk of cancer. Here is a concise list of changes you should make now:Eat a Healthy DietIncrease antioxidant intake through foods such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens.Choose whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates.Use sources such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts to increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.Stay Physically ActivePerform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.Limit sedentary time for extended periods by incorporating moving activities during the day.Manage Stress in a Healthy WayUse mindfulness, which may include meditation and deep breathing, to manage the changes.Work-life boundaries can help alleviate chronic stress and prevent burnout.Improve Sleep HygieneReduce exposure to screens before bedtime to preserve melatonin.Develop sleep habits that allow for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.Limit Exposure to Hazardous SubstancesCut back on alcohol consumption and quit smoking.Limit exposure to environmental toxins like PAHs and endocrine disruptors.Increasing incidence of cancer in the millennial age group demands the need for urgent awareness and lifestyle changes. There is certainly a genetic contribution to cancer; however, lifestyle determinants, including diet, exercise, and management of stress, can all affect the course of cancer."Preventive care, including routine screenings and healthier lifestyle choices, holds the key to reducing the risk of cancer for young adults," said Dr. Tiwari. "Making conscious adjustments today will help millennials safeguard their health for tomorrow."Since cancer trends continue to evolve, embracing proactive health measures, and then keeping prevention at par with treatment, will be imperative in reducing future burden caused by this disease.Dr. Priya Tiwari is Head  of Medical Oncology at Artemis Hospitals in India.